Dear Lori,
    Regarding the mom concerned about mercury exposure if her amalgam
fillings are removed during lactation:  the first thing that comes to mind is
that when most restorative work is done on previously filled teeth there is
going to be the same thing ongoing.

    In other words, if the concern is about mercury contamination from
removing the existing fillings (I assume she is having them replaced with
acrylics or a non-mercury filling material), then this concern should exist
with ALL mercury-based restorations that are removed.  That means most of us
that have dental repairs/replacements are at risk during lactation.

    I know there are mixed emotions about mercury restorations in the dental
community.  However, I do not think she is putting her baby at risk.  OSHA
and other dental watchdogs would be warning of this type of treatment during
lactation.

    I am not discounting the exposure to mercury (I was a chairside assistant
in the days when we used to squeeze out the amalgam BY HAND with cheese
cloth!) but my gut reaction is to not worry.  I will be interested to see any
research that indicates otherwise.

Jan Ellen Brown RDH IBCLC

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html